Senator talks to future leaders

Topics include alternative fuels, war in Iraq, immigration

Topics include alternative fuels, war in Iraq, immigration

May 30, 2007|By Scott Waltman, American News Writer

Boys State is where learning about government started to come alive for John Thune. That's what the Republican U.S. senator and Murdo native told more than 400 Boys Staters on Tuesday in Aberdeen. South Dakota Boys State, which is sponsored by the American Legion, gives high school seniors-to-be a chance to learn about civics and government. Attendees will elect the Boys Sate governor later this week. Thune said that government class in high school was “like eating Shredded Wheat.” In other words, not very exciting. But being able to see how it works in a hands-on way and being able to run for office at Boys State changed that, he said. So did a chance meeting with a former member of Congress. When Thune was a freshman in high school, he made five of six free throws in a varsity basketball game. The next day, at the local hardware store, somebody in line behind him said, “I noticed you missed one last night.” The man was then-U.S. Rep. Jim Abnor, R-S.D. That day's brief visit led to Thune gaining an interest in politics and following Abnor's career. After Thune finished graduate school, he went to work for Abnor in Washington, D.C. Growing up in Murdo, Thune said, he and others often thought the world ended at the city limits. But, he said, leaders realize that isn't the case. “Dream big dreams, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone,” he said. Thune told his audience that leaders are committed to excellence and should be led by strong character. He also told them that leadership is about serving others, not oneself. After his comments, Thune fielded questions that touched on a variety of topics: War in Iraq: The war has changed since its start, Thune said. Then, there was Sunni aggression and a need to remove the supporters of Saddam Hussein. Now, he said, there's a lot of sectarian violence between the Sunnis and the Shiites that is hindering an end to fighting. Iraq needs to take over more of the war effort, he said. “That hasn't happened as quickly as we (would have) liked, and it's had great consequence,” he said. 2008 presidential race: Asked whom he supports as a GOP candidate for president, Thune said he has endorsed U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. McCain has the respect of U.S. troops and good relations with foreign leaders, Thune said. Alternative fuels/gas prices: Even with high corn prices, ethanol plants can be profitable, Thune said. He said that the nation's capacity for corn ethanol production is about 15 billion gallons a year. Current production is about 5.5 billion gallons a year. The next step in ethanol production is cellulosic ethanol that can be made from grass, woodchips and other biomass, he said. Thune said he supports legislation that would punish oil companies if they are found to be price gouging. He also said he supports a measure that would provide financial incentives for filling stations that provided alternative energy pumps such as those hydrogen-powered vehicles can use. Immigration: The nation needs to be welcoming, but cannot accept illegal immigrants, Thune said. He said he's against an open-border policy and granting amnesty to immigrants here illegally. Immigrants need to follow the proper channels now in place, he said. Polarizing issues: Asked why he seems to avoid polarizing issues, Thune said he doesn't think he does. He said some people see him as too polarizing on some issues. A politician's decision-making has to be governed by two things, Thune said: constituents and conscience.